Early Wednesday morning, Adam watched as Shawn rode away with Bret Hart. He prayed his beloved poppa would be alright. He knew it was what was best, but he wanted to be the one to care for Shawn. It was hard to watch him ride away, his poppa's life in the hands of a stranger.
"Poppa will be alright, Addy Joe," Jason said softly as he put his arm around his brother's shoulder.
"Do you trust Mister Hart?" Adam asked as Shawn and Bret vanished from sight.
Jason turned Adam to face him, he wanted to look his brother in the eye. "Yes, I do, very much. You've seen how he looks at Poppa and you've seen how happy Poppa looks when he's with him. He'll take care of Poppa. Doctor Orton wouldn't let Poppa go if he didn't think Bret could help. Come on, make me some of your pancakes?" Jason said with a soft smile.
"Boys!" Chris Helmsley called out as he crossed the street. He'd come from Hunter's office and was on his way to the hotel.
Jason and Adam walked towards the older man, meeting him in the middle of Main Street. "Come on, you can have breakfast at the restaurant. Did you like the chicken and dumplings?" Chris asked as he led the boys to the hotel.
"They were delicious, thank you. You made enough for thrashers," Jason said with a happy smile. He knew their poppa was in good hands, getting the help he so badly needed. He also knew Bret would bring their poppa back, safe and well. Why make himself sick with worry.
"Well, I figured strapping boys like you had healthy appetites. You go eat, anything you want," Chris nodded to Jason, but he held Adam back for a bit. Jason went in to the restaurant. He knew Chris would be a good help to Adam.
Chris led Adam to one of the large, green leather couches in the hotel lobby. They sat down, and Chris took Adam's hands in his. "Shawn will be just fine. Bret will take good care of him. Bret Hart is a fine, upstanding man of honor. He is godfather to our children. Do you think I would trust my babies to just anyone? He raised Wade from a baby, at age fifteen. If you need anything, Hunt and I are here for you," Chris spoke in a very fatherly tone. He gave Adam a soft smile.
"Thank you, Mister Chris. You've been good to us since we got here. If you trust Mister Hart, then I'll try not to worry. If you ever need help with the children, you can call on me," Adam said with his own soft smile.
"I'll take you up on that. Now, go have some breakfast. You have a school to teach, you need the energy," Chris said as he stood up and herded Adam towards the restaurant.
Adam found Jason having coffee with Wade. He joined his brother and his boss. He ordered a cup of coffee and a short stack of pancakes with sausage.
"Feeling better about Poppa?" Jason asked after April refilled their coffee cups.
"A bit, but, I'm still worried. Poppa did try to kill himself, Jason. Why would he want to leave us?" Adam's eyes filled with tears. He was so confused.
Wade reached over and placed his hand on top of Adam's. "I don't think he even considered that. Those drops of cocaine altered his mind, your poppa wasn't himself."
"I... you're right, I didn't think of that. I blame old Doctor Patterson, he gave Poppa the medicine in the first place..." Adam spoke crossly. He wondered if his father had arranged it with old man Patterson.
The three men finished their breakfast. April then brought Adam a neatly tied box. "Chris fixed this for your lunch to take to work," the waitress explained with a wink.
"Chris is a nice man. He loves to mother people. If you get... tired of it, just tell him, he won't be offended," Wade said quietly as he held Adam's chair as the blond stood. The trio walked to the lobby of the hotel, and Jason went to put on his red coat.
"He's a good soul, that's true. Billy Jay, when will you be home?" Adam asked as Jason wrote his name and time down in the ledger Chris used to pay his workers from.
"Around seven. I'm off at six, but I'll walk Heath home first," Jason said with a smirk. He picked up the feather duster from under the counter and began his daily chore of dusting the lobby.
Adam gave his brother a confused look. "It takes an hour to walk half a block?"
Jason rolled his eyes. "Well you know... gotta do a little sparkin'." He winked at his brother.
Adam blushed. "Oh... I'm going to work. I'll have supper on the table at six thirty. Have a good day," Adam said with a laugh. He hugged his brother and left the hotel.
Wade Barrett was waiting by his one-horse buggy. The seat of the buggy was made of rich, hand stitched, dark brown leather. A low dashboard made it easier to see while being driven, and had a cloth cover that could be raised when it rained or was very hot. The wheels of the buggy were large and colorfully painted with yellow rims and red spokes. The colors went well with shining black exterior. The Palomino harnessed to the buggy was beautiful. He had a rich, golden coat and cream-colored mane and tail. The horse also had knee-high white stockings. He was a perfect example of a "Hart Palomino", as Bret's horses were known.
Wade was giving his stallion a bite of apple as Adam came out of the hotel. Adam walked up to the beautiful horse. "He's wonderful. He looks a lot like your Uncle's horse," Adam said as he stroked the soft nose.
"He should, he's Oro's son. León de Oro, it means Golden Lion. I just call him Lion. Uncle Bret gave him to me a colt, for my twenty-fifth birthday, so he's five now," Wade said with affection as he gave the horse a pat on the neck.
"The name suits him. I miss... never mind. Wade, I'd like to talk to you about some things. Could we maybe go for a buggy ride on Sunday, after church?" Adam asked with a shy blush. He'd never been the one to ask for a date before, he'd always been the one asked.
"That would be lovely. Lion needs a good trot out. Come on, I'll drive you to the schoolhouse," Wade said as he untied Lion from the hitching post, then helped Adam into the buggy.
Wade took Adam to the house first so he could freshen up and pick up his books,. When Adam was ready, Wade drove him to the school. "Have a good day, Adam. I have to go out to the number four school. I'll see you soon," Wade said with a soft kiss to Adam's cheek.
Adam blushed. "You too, Wade. Wade, thank you for being so kind... about Poppa. It means a lot to me, and it was nice to... it was nice. See you soon." Adam felt so shy and flustered. He rushed into the schoolhouse.
Wade smiled as he watched Adam. He would just keep following his uncle's advice, to treat Adam as wild horse. He would go slow, steady, gently and softly. He cared for Adam so very much... No, he loved Adam, and wanted him for his own. He at least wanted a fair chance to win Adam's heart.
The children were excited for the day. Today they would start their garden project. Adam made all their lessons for that day farm related. Arithmetic was all about pecks and bushels, buying and selling. In History class he told how the Indians helped the white man, showing them how to grow corn and what fruits and vegetables were edible. Geography told about the best lands for farms and ranches. He taught them French words for different fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In Reading and English Grammar, they read a story about Johnny Appleseed, and the Spelling vocabulary was also about farming. By the time the afternoon recess came around they were ready to plant their seeds.
All of the children had brought one of their parents' old shirts to wear as garden smocks. Adam gave them their seed packets. Edward Helmsley helped his sisters, and Ian Farrelly helped his brother and sister. The Ziggler children worked independently and the two Sandow children barely worked at all.
Adam watched them all closely. He thought the best lesson would be if the Sandows didn't have entries for the fair, that was their choice. It was a beautiful day, the sky was bright blue and there wasn't a cloud in sight. A soft warm breeze blew as the children worked in the rich soil the birds sang happily and insects buzzed and whizzed through the air. At first Adam watched his pupils as they carefully planted their seeds, but soon his mind wandered. He wondered if his poppa was alright. He prayed Bret Hart really did care for his poppa.
"Mister Copeland?" Sarah Ziggler called. She wondered why the teacher didn't respond to her. "Teacher!" she called out sharply.
Adam shook his head. Was someone calling him? "Yes?" He answered the child's voice that penetrated his thoughts, he just didn't know which child he was answering.
"It's Michael, he's sick," Sarah said as she pointed to her older brother. Michael Ziggler looked as pale as a ghost, and his face looked swollen.
Adam quickly went over to where the boy was sitting. "Michael?" Adam inquired as he touched the boy's forehead. The child had a burning fever.
"I don..." Michael suddenly got up and quickly went to toward the outhouse. He threw up in the grass before he got to the little building at the top of the school yard.
Adam chased after the boy, his eyes were filled with worry and concern, he'd never faced having a child be sick at school. The children had all stopped what they were doing to watch, their eyes were filled with fear, Michael had gotten sick so quickly. Adam gently rubbed Michael's back while the poor boy threw up, he spoke softly to the child, and told him things would be alright. As the boy vomited, the teacher was glad for his cast iron constitution, but it was part of his job, to be there for his students no matter what happened. When Michael finished, Adam led him to the water pump. The boy rinsed his mouth and spit several times. When Michael finished, Adam wet his handkerchief and gently wiped the boys face and neck.
"Oh, son. Your neck is really swollen. Does your throat hurt?" Adam asked softly. He was down on one knee, so he was at the child's eye level.
"Yes, teacher. Can I lay down?" Michael asked in a weak voice. He felt worse and worse by the minute. Michael just wanted to lay down and sleep.
"I think I'd better take you to your parents, are they at the store?" Adam asked as he gently gave the boys face another cooling swipe with his handkerchief.
He took Michael by the hand and led him back to the others. He asked Sarah about their parents, as Michael hadn't answered him. "Pa is, Dad is down in Helena, buying supplies," Sarah answered. She was holding Martin's hand. As the youngest, he was a bit scared to see his brother so ill-looking.
Adam had to think a moment. There was still an hour of school left, but Michael was too ill. He made a decision. "Children, I want everyone to pack up, then go right home. Michael is too sick, and I need to take him home. I promise we'll finish this at morning recess. Edward? As this weeks helper, you're in charge, help the little ones," Adam said with a tussle of the young boys hair.
While Edward Helmsley was one of the youngest in the class, he was the most mature and responsible. Adam decided every week, the class would vote for a Teacher's Helper. The child chosen would pass out papers, erase the boards and do other little chores to help Adam. Edward was chosen hands down, or rather up, as they cast their votes, much to the chagrin of the Simon Sandow, who only had one vote from his sister.
"Yes, Mister Copeland. Alright everyone, you heard the teacher, clean up and go inside," Edward spoke with such authority, even the Sandows obeyed him.
"Martin, Sarah, hold hands and follow. Ian, will you and your sisters bring their books and things to the Mercantile?" Adam asked the red-headed boy.
With assurances they would all be fine, Adam left with the three Ziggler children. Even though it wasn't far, Michael could barely walk, he felt so weak and tired. Adam told the boy to jump on his back. With Michael securely riding piggy-back and holding Adam tightly, they were able to move faster.
When they got to Main Street, they crossed carefully. The younger two ran ahead to the General Mercantile, and Zach came out looking very worried about his son. They went right across the alley to Doctor Orton's office. Luckily, Randal had just returned from his rounds in the country. John was there was well, he'd brought Randal a sandwich and glass of milk from their little house just behind the office.
Adam put Michael down in Randal's exam room and stayed to hear what the Doctor's diagnosis would be. Zach was very grateful to the teacher for being so caring.
It only took the Doctor a few brief minutes to make his diagnosis. "Well, young man, you have a case of the mumps," he spoke with a smile as he gave the boy a pat on the knee.
"The mumps? How could he... I bet it was that customer from Helena, I thought he looked sick. Michael helped him load his wagon. So, what now?" Zachary asked in a worried tone.
"You can expect facial swelling, fever, headache, dry mouth, sore face and ears. Ice will help with the swelling. Have him gargle with warm salt water. Soft foods and plenty of liquids. It's not dangerous, just annoying and highly contagious. I'm sure these two will come down as well. It will run its course in about fourteen to sixteen days. Have you and Dolph had them?" Randal asked, his brow raised.
"Yes, years ago, before we moved here. My poor babies. Well, I'd better close up and get you home," Zach said in a weary tone. He wasn't looking forward to three sick children at once.
Just then the door to the doctor's office opened. It was Jack Farrelly, carrying Sarah in his arms. Her neck was swollen as well.
"Looks like we have the start of an outbreak..." Randal was interrupted when Wade Barrett came into the office, followed by Chris who had Loretta in his arms.
"Well, that settles it," Wade said he watched Damien Sandow heading their way with a sick Martin dragging behind, too big to be carried. Wade continued, "School is closed for two weeks, at least. Better to keep the children quarantined."
Adam watched with fear as more and more of his precious children were brought to the Doctor's office. His stomach flip flopped with nerves, he knew Wade was speaking, but his brain couldn't sort out the words, his head began to spin, Adam suddenly felt like he was going to be sick, and a moment later dashed to the sink in the office water closet. He threw up until he couldn't do anything but dry heave.
"Adam, have you or your brother had the mumps?" Randal asked as he helped Adam sit on the exam table and took his pulse.
"No, we haven't. Do I have the mumps?" Adam asked with a groan and held his arm over his stomach. His face was pale and his skin was clammy, his eyes burned with a fever. Plain and simply Adam felt worse than he had in a long time.
"I would say so. You were all exposed days ago, and now it's breaking out. Your brother will have to stay away from you. It can be a bit more severe with adults. You'll need nursing, I'll see if I can..." Randal was again interrupted by Wade.
"I'll do it. I had the mumps when I was younger. I'm going to close all the schools, so I will need something to do. I'm sure Chris will let Jason stay at the hotel. I'll get word to him, after I get our teacher home," Wade said with a tone that left no room for argument.
"Good. Have Arne deliver extra ice to help with the swelling. Lots of rich broth and tea. Keep him in bed, it can be a lot more draining in adults. It's not overly dangerous, but Adam, you will be a very sick boy, at least for a few days. Wade, I'm trusting him to your care," Randal gave his instructions to Barrett.
To be honest, Adam would have raised a fuss about being talked about so offhandedly, but now he didn't care one iota, he felt too sick to care. Somewhere in his brain he remembered he had a brother, did he have a brother? Oh he felt bad. Adam felt himself being picked up, or was he suddenly floating? He closed his eyes and just let himself float along.
Jason was upset when Doctor Orton told him about Adam. He was told Wade would pack a carpet-bag for him and put it on the porch, because he'd have to stay away from Adam for at least two weeks.
"Why did this have to happen now? I promised Poppa I'd keep Adam safe, and now I can't even help him when he's sick!" Jason said with a sigh to Heath and Chris.
"You have a room here for as long as you need, son. Wade will take good care of Adam. You don't want to get sick as well. Adam wouldn't want that," Chris said with a soft smile and hug to his employee. He was in a hurry though, he'd only stopped at the hotel to let them know he'd be at home with his children.
"Jay-Jay, come stay with me and Momma. We have a small guest room and she would love to have you," Heath said. He didn't want to hurt Chris, but he thought Jason would be better with company than alone in a hotel room.
Jason smiled, then looked at Chris. Their boss gave him a nod, and Jason knew that it was alright with him. "Thanks, Heath. I'd like that. I'd rather have company. Thank you for the offer though, Mister Chris..." Jason was interrupted by Deputy John.
"Chris, Hunter sent me. Kelly took the other two children to Ran, they apparently have the mumps as well," John said in a harried tone. His poor husband was a wreck with this outbreak of mumps. Hunter had taken Loretta home, to find his other children being taken to the doctor by Kelly.
Chris' eyes grew wide with worry. He had to be with his babies. "Thanks, John. Tell Hunter I'll be right there," he said to the deputy, then turned to Jason and Heath.
"Boys, I have to be with my babies. Jason, I want you to take over for me. You know what to do. Let's put that college education to work. Jeff will be here later, he'll take care of the nights, but the rest of the time, the hotel is in your hands. You can do it, Jason," Chris said firmly as he changed from his work coat to his suit coat. He rang the bell on the counter six times, waited, then rang six times again. That was the signal for all employees to gather in the lobby.
Heath proudly helped Jason change into Chris' work coat. It was a forest green that matched the décor of the hotel, and on the left breast pocket was a copy of The Helmsley Arms logo.
"You look good, daddy." Heath whispered. He'd given Jason the pet name when he'd told Heath about the stresses of being head of the family. Jason loved it, and called Heath his baby boy.
The hotel's employees had gathered and Chris addressed them. "It seems my precious babies have come down with the mumps. I'll be away for a couple of weeks. Jason Reso will be in charge while I'm gone. He has the right qualifications and education. I ask all of you to please give him the same respect you give me. Jeff will continue to run the night shift. Please, keep up the quality and standards of customer care. I appreciate all of you. If things go well, when I get back, we'll have a small party. Make me proud. Now, I must go, my children need me," Chris spoke with authority, pride and thanks. He knew the hotel would be alright, everyone had too much respect for him not do their best.
Everyone assured Chris everything would be alright. They also approved of Jason. While he hadn't been there long, more than once he'd gone beyond his normal duties to help anyone who needed it. Jason had helped clean rooms, do laundry, work in the kitchen, wait tables; he worked hard and the others respected him for it. They sent good wishes for the children and prayers as well.
Doctor Randal Orton was worried. He hoped that this outbreak of mumps didn't get out of control. While not as serious as other diseases could be, it was still a threat to some, like a pregnant Cody DiBiase. Randal went to the pastor's house and advised Cody to stay in the house, and for Ted to cancel all church and church related activities for three weeks, just to be on the safe side. He also advised Ted not to visit people in their homes. It was just too dangerous to their unborn babe. Ted and Cody agreed and heeded Randal's advice.
"It will be alright, Ran. You got us all through the chicken pox two years ago, and that was really serious. I'm more worried about Shawn. I hope Bret can manage, it will be a while now before you can go see him. Come on, I'll feed you before you start your house calls," John said softly as he massaged his husband's shoulders.
The Doctor's office had finally emptied, John and Randy were alone in the exam room. "Thanks, Johnny. I'd be lost without you. I'd rather go to bed than eat," the doctor said with a wicked smirk as he pulled John into his lap. John laughed and planted a firm kiss on Randy's lips. The couple then got up and went to their little house for some fun.
Wade had managed to change Adam into a nightshirt and tucked him into bed. He quickly packed a bag for Jason and put it on the porch, along with a note for the ice man to leave an extra block of ice. After that, he chipped some of the ice from the ice box into a big metal bowl and took it upstairs. He wrapped some of the smaller chunks of frozen water into a towel and wrapped it loosely around Adam's swollen neck.
Adam felt the coolness around his neck, it felt good. He still felt awful. He couldn't pull his thoughts into focus, his head was banging and though he was hot, felt so cold inside... or was he hot inside and cold out? He hated that floaty feeling that swam in his head.
Wade knew Adam had a bad fever. Randy said to treat it with ice and rubbing alcohol mixed with water. He dipped a rag into the mixture he'd made and began to wash Adam's face. After debating with himself, he pulled Adam's nightshirt off. He only wanted to wash Adam. Adam felt his nightshirt leave his body, then something cool against his skin. He whimpered softly, it felt so good. He could tell the hands that washed him, cared for him. He trusted the hands and fell asleep under the calming touches.
Wade smiled as Adam drifted off to sleep. Although Adam was ill, he couldn't help but admire the young man's beauty. He especially liked Adam's long, curvaceous legs. Shamefully, he wondered how they would feel wrapped around his waist in the throes of passion. He felt guilty for even thinking that when Adam was so sick, or really even at all, it wasn't proper.
He covered Adam with the warm covers. Randy told him fresh air was good, so he opened the windows a bit. Wade went down and made himself a pot of tea and a couple of cheese and butter sandwiches. He carried a tray with the tea and sandwiches upstairs, then sat down on the chair next to Adam's bed. He picked up a book lying on the bedside table. Adam was reading "Tom Sawyer". Wade smiled, settling in with his tea and sandwiches. With one eye occasionally on Adam, he sat there quietly reading.
Wade wasn't sure how long he'd been asleep, but when he woke to Adam's whimpers, his tea was stone cold and his last bite of sandwich was hard and dry, and it was pitch dark outside. Adam was writhing under the covers and soft moans escaped from the confines of his sore throat in arid, dry sounds. He tried to kick the covers off, he felt so hot.
"Easy poppet, easy" Wade said softly as he wiped Adam's face with the cooling mixture of alcohol and water. He removed the cloth from Adam's neck. There a few pieces of ice left in the bowl. He wrapped them in the cloth and placed it around Adam's neck again. The poor boy looked like a chipmunk with stuffed cheeks. Wade remembered how uncomfortable it was. His soft words and gentle touches calmed the teacher. Adam slept again.
While Adam slept, Wade went down to the kitchen. He warmed up some of Chris' chicken and dumplings and made a fresh pot of tea. He also filled the bowl with more ice chips. He went to see if Jason had picked up his carpet-bag. Wade saw that he had, and Jason left a note saying he would be staying with Heath and Widow Slater. He also asked Wade to leave him a note every day to know how Adam was doing. Wade took the note in to read to Adam later. He carried his loaded tray up to the bedroom. Before he ate, he changed into the nightshirt he'd bought when he knew he'd be staying in town. He sat down in comfort and enjoyed his delicious food. He loved Chris' chicken and dumplings, everyone did.
When Wade finished, he took the dirty dishes downstairs and washed them. Wade then filled a pitcher with ice and water for Adam to drink during the night, and made sure the downstairs was locked up and secure. While crime hardly existed in Great Falls, strangers did come to town. It had been more than a year since the last home robbery. Wade didn't want Shawn's house to be the first.
Wade started to go to sleep in Jason's room, but Adam had started to whimper again. He hurried to his patient. "Poppa? Poppa? Mister Spotty, Poppa," Adam cried out like a small child, forgetting both his poppa and Mister Spotty were gone. Wade remembered Adam had put the little stuffed dog in the bag Bret had taken for Shawn.
"Poppet, it's me Wade. Your poppa has gone to the cabin to get better, you gave him Mister Spotty, remember?" Wade said softly as he wrapped some fresh ice in the cloth for Adam's neck.
Adam became more awake. "Oh... Wade. Poppa?... oh... with Mister Hart, gave him Spotty... don't feel good..." His words came in a fevered reply. He turned over onto his side.
Wade knew when he was sick, it always helped him relax when his uncle would sit on the bed and rub his back. Wade slid in behind Adam and braced his back against the headboard. Barrett began to rub small circles on Adam's back. Instantly Adam quieted, his whimpers turning into almost purr like sounds. Whenever the comforting touches stopped, Adam whimpered until the rubbing began again on his back. He finally drifted off into a deep, sickness enhanced sleep.
Sunlight streamed in the windows. Adam's eyes fluttered open. He was hit with an overwhelming feeling of protection. There was an arm wrapped around his waist that held him close. It felt nice until he realized the arm meant he wasn't alone in the bed.
Adam turned his head. Wade's chin was resting on his shoulder, and it was his arm around his waist. He was so shocked for a moment, he froze. Why was Wade in his bed? Why was there a wet rag around his neck?
He tried to move, and his body suddenly reminded him he was ill. His head ached and his throat was sore. It was the pain in his cheeks that reminded him completely, he had the mumps.
Adam moaned, and Wade stirred immediately. "Easy, poppet. You're alright. Can you talk?" he asked as he sat up and felt Adam's head. At least the fever had broken and was almost gone. Doc Orton had said the fever was the most dangerous part. If it had not broken, he would have sent for Randal.
"Why... are you here?" Adam asked in a husky voice, his throat was very sore. He couldn't remember much of yesterday. He did remember one of the children at school was sick, after that it was a blur.
Wade filled Adam in on everything that had happened up till that minute. He handed Adam the note from Jason, then got out of the bed. He excused himself to the water closet. Wade took his clothes, did his business and had a quick wash up. He used a razor he found and shaved. He rinsed his mouth. He needed to go and buy some things at the Mercantile later, if Adam could be left alone.
When he came back, Adam was sitting up in the bed, trying to brush his long hair. It was hard as his body ached. Adam looked at Wade as he came into the room. He was wearing his trousers and white shirt, his suspenders hung from his waist band, his shirt was open by three buttons. Adam could tell that Wade had excellent muscles and dark curls of chest hair. He had to admit, Wade was handsome.
Wade could tell Adam was really looking at him. He tried not to smirk, especially when Adam subconsciously licked his lips. He went and took the brush from Adam and started brushing the long, golden locks.
At first Adam tensed up, he didn't like Wade brushing his hair. It didn't take long though before it began to sink in that Wade was being very gentle and tender, almost like he was brushing the mane of a wild horse. He liked it and began to relax.
Wade smiled again as felt the tension leave Adam's body. "You hair is like gold in the sunlight. If you feel better, tomorrow I'll help you wash it. Do you think you could manage some tea and toast? I'll bring some more ice for the swelling." Wade then told the story of when he had the mumps, and the chipmunk his uncle had brought him. By the time he finished, Adam's hair was as smooth as silk and he was laughing, or at least he tried to.
"That was funny, but it makes me realize, Poppa is in good hands with your uncle. If he cared enough to make you so happy, I'm sure he'll care for Poppa. I would love some tea, and I'll try the toast, with strawberry jelly?" Adam asked in his arid voice, and puppy eyes.
"Toast with strawberry jelly and tea coming up. Write a note to Jason and I'll leave it for him. He wants to know how you are. I'll have to run to town later, if you'll be alright alone for a few minutes," Wade said as he poured the melted ice out of the window. Adam nodded and Wade went down to the kitchen.
That was the way it was for the first week. Wade only wished Adam would open up more. He could only remain steadfast and patient.